Traffic Stop Nets Two Stolen Guns

Early this morning at approximately 1:05, Trooper Zackary Fulton was patrolling St. Joseph Avenue near Delaware when he observed a vehicle traveling north with only one operating headlight. Trooper Fulton stopped the vehicle at Thornton’s gas station on St. Joseph Avenue at Maryland Street. The driver was identified as Keenan McDaniel, 19, of Evansville. His passenger was identified as Devon Ranes, 18, of Evansville. While talking to McDaniel, Fulton detected an odor of marijuana inside the vehicle. McDaniel, who has a valid Indiana permit to carry a gun, was wearing a Smith and Wesson 9 mm pistol on his right hip. Troopers did not locate any marijuana inside the vehicle, but they found a Keltec .32 caliber pistol on the passenger floorboard. Further investigation revealed the Keltec pistol was reported stolen out of Henderson, KY and the Smith and Wesson 9 mm pistol was reported stolen out of Vanderburgh County. McDaniel and Ranes were arrested and taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail where they are currently being held on bond.

Arrested and Charges:

Keenan McDaniel, 19, Evansville, IN

Theft

Devon Ranes, 18, Evansville, IN

Theft

Carrying a Handgun without a Permit

Arresting Officer: Trooper Zackary Fulton, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officer: Trooper Taylor Fox, Indiana State Police

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.